Steam Deck OLED Preorders Available Next Week

Steam Deck OLED availability and price

The Steam Deck is set to be one of the most sought-after gaming devices this holiday season, and Valve is now following in Nintendo's footsteps by introducing an upgraded version with a larger OLED screen. The Steam Deck OLED not only features a sleeker design, improved thumbsticks, and longer battery life, but also delivers a more immersive gaming experience with its enhanced display. Mark your calendars for November 16 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET when you can place your order for the Steam Deck OLED. Before you make your purchase next week, let's delve into everything you need to know.

Steam Deck OLED availability and price

While the exact shipping dates for orders have not been announced by Valve, the November 16 "preorder" day essentially serves as the launch date. The initial wave of orders is expected to be shipped in the days following the release.

The Steam Deck OLED comes in two storage options: 512GB and 1TB. Although the 512GB and 1TB models share many similarities, there are two key distinctions. The 1TB version features an anti-glare etched glass screen, whereas the 512GB version lacks this feature. Additionally, the 1TB model includes a carrying case with a detachable inner shell.

In addition, Valve will be releasing a special limited-edition 1TB model, which showcases a translucent black chassis and an exclusive version of the carrying case. This limited-edition variant will only be available in the US and Canada, while the standard model will be launched worldwide in countries where Valve accepts Steam Deck orders. It's worth noting that the limited edition is produced in limited quantities, and it's highly likely that scalpers will quickly grab these exclusive models.

Here's the pricing breakdown for the Steam Deck OLED:

512GB Steam Deck OLED -- $549

1TB Steam Deck OLED -- $649

1TB Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition -- $679

Original Steam Deck price drop

Considering the original pricing model of the Steam Deck, these lower figures may come as quite a surprise. After all, the 512GB Steam Deck was initially available for $649, which is $100 more than the upcoming OLED model.

Original Steam Deck price drop

Given the competitively priced Steam Deck OLED, it should come as no surprise that the original trio of Steam Deck models are now receiving permanent price reductions. These reduced prices are effective as of today, November 9th.

64GB Steam Deck -- $349 ($399)

256GB Steam Deck -- $399 ($529)

The 512GB Steam Deck is now available at an enticing price of $449 ($649). With the recent price reduction, prospective Steam Deck owners have a multitude of options to choose from. The most significant price drop is observed in the 512GB variant, which is now $200 cheaper. If you decide to go for the regular Steam Deck given the new prices, we highly recommend investing in the 256GB model. This is because equipping a 64GB edition with a microSD card to meet your storage needs will likely result in spending close to $400 in total. It is important to note that most individuals find it difficult to manage with only 64GB of space on their Steam Deck.

Introducing the Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition

Steam Deck OLED vs. Steam Deck: Time to upgrade?

If you're already a Steam Deck owner contemplating an upgrade or a first-time purchaser trying to decide between models, it's crucial to understand the enhancements featured in the new iteration so you can make an informed choice.

Undoubtedly, the most remarkable highlight of the Steam Deck OLED is its OLED screen. OLED screens offer superior contrast, particularly when it comes to deep blacks, a wider range of colors, and enhanced brightness.

The Steam Deck OLED features a larger 7.4-inch panel compared to the 7-inch screen of the original Steam Deck. Notably, the 1TB models also offer an improved anti-glare etched glass screen. Along with a brighter and crisper viewing experience, the Steam Deck OLED boasts a faster 90Hz refresh rate, surpassing the old 60Hz panel.

If you didn't view the Nintendo Switch OLED as a significant upgrade from the LCD launch model and aren't particularly interested in handheld devices, you may not find the Steam Deck OLED enticing. However, there are other intriguing changes that could have a significant impact.

Valve has confirmed that the battery life of the Steam Deck OLED is 30-50% longer than the original version. This is the result of using a 50Whr battery (compared to the original 40Whr), as well as the energy-efficient OLED panels, improved thermal efficiency, and other iterative enhancements.

Existing owners of the Steam Deck are well aware of its varied battery life, which greatly depends on the game being played. It's possible to deplete the battery in less than two hours or enjoy up to approximately eight hours of gameplay. Therefore, the 30-50% improvement will have a significant impact, regardless of whether you're playing a demanding AAA title or a small indie game that requires less power.

The weight of the Steam Deck OLED varies depending on the chosen model, as stated by Valve. On average, the Steam Deck OLED weighs 640 grams, in contrast to the original Steam Deck which weighs 669 grams. The use of OLED panels, which are lighter and thinner, allowed the new model to weigh less despite having a larger screen.

For an extensive exploration of the features of the Steam Deck OLED, please refer to our detailed story.

Steam Deck game recommendations

If you decide to purchase a Steam Deck, make sure to check out our compilation of the top Steam Deck games. Additionally, our sister site, Giant Bomb, has curated a collection of highly recommended Steam Deck games that can be found on Fanatical (another sister site of ours). To add to the benefits, many of these games personally selected by the experts at Giant Bomb are currently on sale during Fanatical's Birthday Bash.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Steam Deck, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of the Steam Deck OLED. The OLED screen, improved thumbsticks, and longer battery life make this an exciting upgrade for existing Steam Deck owners and a compelling choice for those looking to purchase their first Steam Deck.

The larger OLED screen is a significant improvement over the original Steam Deck's LCD screen. OLED screens offer deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and wider viewing angles, which will make gaming on the Steam Deck even more immersive. The improved thumbsticks are also a welcome addition, as they should provide more precise control and comfort during gameplay. The longer battery life will also be appreciated by gamers who want to enjoy extended gaming sessions without having to worry about running out of power.